Citibank Backs Stablecoin Firm BVNK: Report

Core Insights - Citi, the third-largest bank in the US, has strategically invested in BVNK, a London-based stablecoin infrastructure firm, amid clearer regulations and increasing demand for stablecoins among US banks [1][2] - BVNK operates a payments platform facilitating global transactions using stablecoins, with a valuation exceeding $750 million from its previous funding round [2] - The stablecoin market is experiencing significant growth, with nearly $9 trillion in transactions over the past year and a total market cap of $314 billion [4] Company Developments - Citi is expanding its cross-border payments capabilities and targeting digital-only banks and neobanks for stablecoin integration [3] - Citi's CEO has indicated the bank's exploration of issuing its own stablecoin [3] - Other US banks, including JPMorgan and Bank of America, are also entering the stablecoin market with their own blockchain-based solutions [7] Market Trends - The demand for dollar-based stablecoins is projected to increase by $1.4 trillion by 2027, reflecting their expanding role in global finance [5] - Stablecoins are seen as safer, inflation-resistant digital alternatives, with estimates suggesting they could draw around $1 trillion from emerging-market banks in the next three years [5] - The passage of the GENIUS Act has provided regulatory clarity for stablecoins, encouraging more US banks to explore blockchain technology [6]